WASA introduces water scheduling to combat rain shortfall

The Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) is introducing a temporary water supply schedule for parts of Trinidad and in Tobago, as a result of “below normal” rainfall conditions for the dry season, in April.

In a news release yesterday, WASA said a similar pattern was forecast was for this month.

The temporary schedules begin from today in Trinidad while in Tobago schedules were introduced on April 13, the release said.

These will be published in the press today and will be available on the Authority’s website www.wasa.gov.tt and Facebook Page: Facebookj WASA Trinidad and Tobago.

The release also referred to Director, Meteorological Services of Trinidad and Tobago, Marlon Noel, who explained that the below normal rainfall observed is in relation to long-term averages over a 30-year period.

Noel explained that Tobago is experiencing what is termed a ‘dry spell’ which began in March and has extended into May.

A “dry spell” represents consecutive periods of below average rainfall, which is deemed unusual; or a deviation from the normal rainfall pattern, recorded for that particular time.

As a result of the overall rainfall condition, production at several of WASA’s surface water treatment facilities, has been negatively affected.

This situation has resulted in the need for greater management of supply to ensure availability for the duration of the dry season. Consumers must also practise water-use efficiency habits, the release said.